12 holiday destinations you should visit for the best Mediterranean food
Discover the best holiday destinations to enjoy classic Mediterranean dishes, from fresh seafood and grilled meat to souvlaki, Greek salads and meze platters
With the promise of sun-soaked beaches, warm weather and, of course, some of the best food in the world, it's little wonder that so many of us choose to holiday around the Mediterranean. This region is a melting pot of rich history and stunning architecture, but what really makes it special is the quality of the ingredients – and for foodies who love fresh seafood, vibrant veg, grilled meats and meze spreads, there's plenty to sink your teeth into.
TUI has everything you need to plan the perfect Mediterranean getaway this summer, with thousands of holiday deals to browse online – from cruises and package holidays to flights and hotels, some of which were winners in the TUI Global Hotel Awards.
Save up to £125 on package holidays with TUI
If the unpredictability of British summer has you pining for a dose of Mediterranean sunshine, TUI has you covered this May and June.
You can save on selected last-minute getaways with a myTUI account, with £100 off package holidays to the likes of Egypt, Spain and Portugal – just enter your unique code when you log in and book your trip. Or, if you're already thinking ahead to next year, you can also save £125 when you book May 2026 package holidays with a myTUI account.
Offers require a minimum spend of £1,000 per booking, further terms apply. Head to TUI.co.uk to find out more.
You can also use TUI's filters to easily sift through everything that's available, whether you want to search by star rating, price, facilities or distance from the airport, city centre or nearest beach.
TUI’s best holiday destinations for Mediterranean food
Best holiday destinations in Cyprus
Paphos
With its relaxed vibe and rich culinary traditions, Paphos is a must for gourmands as it blends ancient history with a thriving food scene. Traditional tavernas serve Cypriot favourites like souvlaki, halloumi and kleftiko, all best enjoyed under the warm Mediterranean sun. You could also head to the harbour for fresh seafood dishes or explore the old town's hidden cafés for a taste of authentic Cypriot meze.
Explore Paphos holidays at TUI:
- Mare Phapos, from £621.31pp for seven nights
- Atlantica Golden Beach, from £921.70pp for seven nights
- Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel, from £1,592.23pp for seven nights – awarded in the TUI Global Awards
Ayia Napa
Beyond its famous nightlife, Ayia Napa offers a wide array of classic Mediterranean food. Visit the local tavernas to sample dishes like grilled octopus, sheftalia (Cypriot sausages) and moussaka. The bustling harbour is ideal for sampling the catch of the day, while nearby villages offer rustic dining experiences that showcase the best of traditional Cypriot cuisine.
Explore Ayia Napa holidays at TUI:
- TUI BLUE Atlantica Sungarden Park, from £680pp for seven nights
- Amanti – MadeForTwo Hotels, from £980.29pp for seven nights
- Atlantica Sungarden Park, from £1,174.66pp for seven nights
Best holiday destinations in Greece
Athens
With stylish rooftop bars and bustling markets, Athens offers a blend of traditional Greek cuisine with more modern fare. Must-try dishes include souvlaki, spanakopita and dolmades (stuffed vine leaves). Street food is also an integral part of the city’s culinary identity and, beyond souvlaki, visitors can find koulouri (sesame bread rings) and bougatsa (custard-filled pastry), and traditional roasted chestnuts.
Explore Athens holidays at TUI:
- The Editor Hotel, from £782.20pp for seven nights
- Dolce Attica Riviera, from £771.97pp for seven nights
- Divani Palace Acropolis, from £914.26pp for seven nights
Crete
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete offers a rich and authentic culinary experience rooted in simplicity, seasonality and tradition. Visit Chania or Heraklion to enjoy dishes like dakos (Cretan salad), lamb with artichokes and fresh seafood. Olive oil, wild herbs and local cheeses feature heavily in the island's cuisine, as well as hearty stews such as stifado (a slow-cooked beef stew with onions) and gamopilafo, a rich, buttery rice dish.
Explore Crete holidays at TUI:
- Aquila Porto Rethymno, from £835.21pp for seven nights
- Pepper Sea Club, from £1,477.84pp for seven nights
- Mike's Hotel & Apartments, from £545.05 for seven nights – awarded in the TUI Global Awards
Best holiday destinations in Portugal
Lisbon
Lisbon’s coastal location ensures a bounty of fresh seafood, from grilled sardines and octopus salad to polvo à lagareiro (octopus roasted in olive oil with potatoes) and amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams with garlic, coriander and lemon). Of course no trip to Lisbon is complete without sampling a pastel de nata, and these iconic custard tarts – with their flaky pastry and rich, creamy filling – are found in almost every café and bakery across the city.
Explore Lisbon holidays at TUI:
- HF Fenix Garden, from £571.09pp for seven nights
- Gran Melia Palacio de Isora, from £614pp for seven nights
- SANA Malhoa, from £1,477.84pp for seven nights
Algarve
The Algarve region is renowned for its stunning beaches and equally impressive cuisine, including freshly caught fish, seafood cataplanas and piri-piri chicken. Visit traditional fishing villages like Olhão and Tavira to experience Mediterranean food at its finest, with simple, flavourful dishes that highlight the best local ingredients.
Explore Algarve holidays at TUI:
- Alvor Baia, from £914pp for seven nights
- Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort, from £1,759pp for seven nights
- 3HB Guarana, from £1,2,48pp for seven nights
Best holiday destinations in Spain
Majorca
Majorca's food scene ranges from high-end restaurants to rustic, family-run establishments, offering something for every palate. Tapas bars are a staple, with local specialities like grilled octopus, razor clams and Padrón peppers, while coastal restaurants serve fresh seafood, from lobster paella to Soller prawns. Look out for Majorcan specialities such as sobrasada (a cured sausage), coca bread (a flatbread that can be savoury or sweet) and ensaïmada (a spiral pastry dusted with icing sugar). Markets like Santa Catalina in Palma and the Sineu market are also must-visit spots.
Explore Majorca holidays at TUI:
- TUI SUNEO Santa Ponsa, from £688pp for seven nights
- Grupotel Gran Vista & Spa, from £728pp for seven nights
- Globales Santa Lucia, from £879.85pp for seven nights
Valencia
The birthplace of paella, Valencia is a must-visit for foodies. Beyond its famous rice dishes the city offers a wealth of Mediterranean food options, including fresh horchata, jamón ibérico and seafood stews. Markets like the Mercado Central also offer a glimpse into Valencia’s food culture, where the stalls are brimming with fresh produce, cured meats, cheeses and spices.
Explore Valencia holidays at TUI:
- Medium Valencia, from £547pp for seven nights
- Petit Palace Plaza de la Reina, from £657pp for seven nights
- Sh Valencia Palace, from £704pp for seven nights
Best holiday destinations in Turkey
Antalya
Antalya’s Mediterranean coastline provides a stunning backdrop for enjoying Turkish cuisine, where you can feast on dishes like lamb kebabs, meze platters and fresh seafood, all seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. The old town's narrow streets are also lined with restaurants, where meals can be enjoyed alfresco to take advantage of the warm climate.
Explore Antalya holidays at TUI:
- TUI BLUE Barut Andiz, from £764pp for seven nights – awarded Best Hotel TUI UK & Ireland
- Akra Kemer, from £788pp for seven nights – awarded in the TUI Global Awards
- Seaden Sea World Resort & Spa, from £707pp for seven nights – awarded in the TUI Global Awards
Bodrum
Bodrum's culinary scene has a strong emphasis on using fresh, local ingredients and many of the restaurants focus on farm-to-table menus, sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and fishing villages. You'll find fresh fish, octopus, calamari and shrimp in abundance here, while meze platters feature an array of small dishes such as hummus, aubergine salad, stuffed vine leaves and spicy tomato dips.
Explore Bodrum holidays at TUI:
- Bodrum Holiday Resort & Spa, from £633pp for seven nights
- Baia Bodrum Hotel, from £1,042pp for seven nights
- La Blanche Island, from £1,071pp for seven nights
Best holiday destinations in Egypt
Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh offers more than just beautiful beaches and coral reefs – it's also a fantastic destination for Mediterranean food. Enjoy grilled meats, fresh seafood and traditional Egyptian dishes like ful medames and koshari. The local markets and seaside restaurants also serve up vibrant, flavour-packed meals that celebrate the region's culinary heritage.
Explore Sharm El Sheikh holidays at TUI:
- Jaz Sharks Bay Hotel, from £545pp for seven nights
- Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort and Spa, from £956pp for seven nights
- Iberotel Palace, from £882pp for seven nights
Hurghada
Hurghada’s Red Sea setting ensures a plentiful supply of fresh fish and seafood. Mediterranean influences are strong here, with dishes featuring olive oil, herbs and spices. Enjoy leisurely meals by the waterfront, sampling everything from seafood tagines to meze platters brimming with hummus, baba ganoush and flatbreads.
Explore Hurghada holidays at TUI:
- TUI MAGIC LIFE Kalawy, from £842pp for seven nights
- Steigenberger Makadi, from £765pp for seven nights – awarded in the TUI Global Awards
- Premier Le Reve, from £1,011pp for seven nights – awarded in the TUI Global Awards
Browse deals, hotels, flights, package holidays, cruises and more at TUI.co.uk.
*Prices listed above is price per person for two adults staying for seven nights during June-July 2025 and are subject to change and availability. Information is correct as of 09 May 2025.
